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Daraprim

Generic Name: pyrimethamine (pie rih MEH tha meen)
Brand Names: Daraprim

What is pyrimethamine?

Pyrimethamine is an antiparasitic drug. It prevents the growth and reproduction of parasites.

Pyrimethamine is used to treat and prevent malaria. Pyrimethamine is also used in the treatment of toxoplasmosis.

Pyrimethamine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about pyrimethamine?

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking pyrimethamine?

Before taking pyrimethamine, tell your doctor if you have

• had an allergic reaction to previous treatment with pyrimethamine,

• megaloblastic anemia due to folate deficiency,

• seizures or epilepsy,

• kidney disease, or
• liver disease.

You may not be able to take pyrimethamine, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

How should I take pyrimethamine?

Take pyrimethamine exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of the medication.

What happens if I overdose?

Symptoms of a pyrimethamine overdose may include abdominal pain, nausea, severe vomiting (possibly with blood in the vomit), anxiety or excitability, and seizures.

What should I avoid while taking pyrimethamine?

There are no restrictions on foods, beverages, or activities during treatment with pyrimethamine unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

Pyrimethamine side effects

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take pyrimethamine and talk to your doctor if you experience

• nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite;

• insomnia;

• headache;

• lightheadedness; or

• dryness of the mouth.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect pyrimethamine?

Before taking pyrimethamine, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:

• auranofin (Ridaura);

• aurothioglucose (Solganal); or

• or gold sodium thiomalate (Aurolate, Myochrysine).

You may not be able to take pyrimethamine, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment.

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with pyrimethamine. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products.

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist has more information about pyrimethamine written for health professionals that you may read.

What does my medication look like?

Pyrimethamine is available with a prescription under the brand name Daraprim in 25 mg tablets. Other brand or generic formulations may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.

• Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
• Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ("Multum") is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum"s drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum"s drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.